List of Chemicals in Herbicides – Substances and Uses

There is a long list of chemicals in herbicides when it comes to garden maintenance. However, there is a List of Banned Garden Chemicals that highlight awareness of safe chemicals for plants. Herbicides are chemicals that kill or alter the normal growth of unwanted plant or weeds. There are even chemicals to kill earwigs and other pests. In a way, substances in herbicides have some similarity with Chemicals found in Pesticides.

List of Chemicals in Herbicides

There are many types of herbicides, selective and nonselective and also preemergence and postemergence. These types of herbicides define if the chemicals will only destroy the targeted weed or also destroy anything else. Whatever the type may be, even the safest Hibiscides contains chemicals that have side effects to plant, soil, human and the surrounding areas. Some of the chemicals in Herbicides include :

1. Methanearsonates (MSMA and DSMA)

This compound acts as contact herbicides. Its usage includes injuring desirable species at high temperatures (greater than 80° F). Moreover, with daily usage and repeated applications, the complete control can totally destroy unwanted weeds. MSMA is very effective in controlling crabgrass under both adequate and low soil moisture levels. The chemicals kill target items and now influencing other plants and soil.

2. Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl

This postemergence herbicide has a slow effect of translocation within the plant. It is effective to control crabgrass with a single application. Therefore, it is relatively safe on cool-season turfgrasses usage. However, the substance is among chemicals in herbicides that affect other things after usage.

Moreover, It may injure some Kentucky bluegrass cultivars, especially at high temperatures early in the season. Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl is less effective when it is mix with phenoxy-type herbicides such as 2,4-D and MCPP. That is why should you never mix chemicals together, some chemical is harmful together.

3. Dithiopyr

This substance provides postemergence control of crabgrass only up to the one-tiller stage of development. It is effective on 45 kinds of grassy and broadleaf weeds. Moreover, Dithiopyr inhibits root growth and thus should be used only on established turf with a well-developed root system.

It is effective for about 4 months. Therefore, the lawn should not be reseeded during this time frame following the application of the chemical. People also need to be aware of the Effects of Lawn Chemicals on wildlife and pets. Herbicides kill disturbing plant not to endanger anything else.

4. Quinclorac

This substance is among chemicals in herbicides that effectively control crabgrass and some broadleaf weeds. The more often the applicant then the faster the chemicals make a result. In some cases, quinclorac does not provide complete control at the two-, three-, and four-tiller stages of development.

Therefore, a second application is crucial to complete the control achievement. This substance surprisingly goes well with other chemicals. Moreover, a combination of Quinclorac with other herbicides, such as pendimethalin and phenoxy herbicides can improve weed control. In addition, the best combination of quinclorac with methylated seed oil gives a great result. 

5. Glyphosate

This chemical has a hazardous label on it that need careful care while handling it. However, many forestry agencies, local authorities, private-land tree-planters, and bush regenerators apply glyphosate-containing herbicides to control weed growth prior to planting. It has many harmful effects of using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Glyphosate is the third most common cause of illness among agricultural workers and landscape maintenance workers.

6. Picloram

This chemical of a picolinic acid is the type of herbicide that any chemical company loves to sell. It is also very popular among plant lover. It is persistent and useful to kill a large variety of woody plants and annual and perennial broadleaved broad-leaved. This chemical application to foliage and plants by injection, spraying, cutting surfaces, it will leach to the roots.

7. Atrazine

This chemical is the world’s most widely used herbicide. It controls weeds in plantations, on roadsides, in parks, gardens, orchards, and pastures, and also lots of places where children play. It is notorious for its tendency to contaminate groundwater, with consequent side effects on human health as noted by the World Health Organisation.

Therefore, this particular chemical is on the List of Banned Agricultural Chemicals. It has a systemic poison (organochlorine) with residues penetrate the flesh of fruit and vegetables and cannot be washed off.

Research indicates that atrazine can lead to prostrate, ovarian and breast cancer and also damages the endocrine system. it hinders the function of synthetic hormone disruptor. As a ‘hormone mimic’ this substance can block, antagonize, compete with, or mimic hormones at the cellular level. Therefore, it also may lead to reproductive and endocrinal effects. 

8. Simazine

Simazine is an off-white crystalline substance which is sparingly soluble in water. It is a member of the triazine derivative herbicides with Cyanazine and Atrazine. It is a common residual nonselective herbicide. However several countries like European Union states ban this chemical for herbicides usage. It acts by inhibiting photosynthesis and remains active in the soil for 2-7 months or longer after application.

9. Cyanazine